Press Releases

International Delivery

MetaPack is the engine behind some of the biggest and well known retailers’ online delivery function. Recently assisting a number of companies including the likes of Marks and Spencer and Asos with their worldwide despatch, they have distilled the knowledge they have gained into a whitepaper on international delivery.
Karl Wills, Managing Director of MetaPack explains how international delivery has changed in recent years and why it is becoming something retailers should seriously start considering; “A few domestic catalogue retailers have, for many years, offered overseas clients the opportunity to purchase, but these retailers are known and have trusted brands. This trust in the brand and the pre-internet environment with its lack of information (about competitors) allowed the catalogue retailers to offer an expensive and low-service model, as there was little threat to their core business. Overseas sales were seen as true margin enhancing sales, with customers prepared to put up with a lot to get the goods.
“The internet has changed that. Many retailers now look to sell to overseas clients, allowing them to encroach on the territory of the domestic retailers and offer real competition. Consumers can now compare prices, service and quality on-line and their choice of retailer is no longer constrained by national boundaries. This may benefit the consumer, but it also benefits retailers that are prepared to offer the right product, price and delivery service for overseas customers. Therefore, expanding the potential market through International exposure via the web can be a great way to build revenue and increase margin. However, when not executed properly overseas shipments can eradicate margin and lose customers.”
The white paper sets out to help senior managers think about the practical benefits, operational choices and economics of the shipments options for International markets and can be downloaded here: http://www.metapack.com/international-delivery